Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Worthy's progression over the last few seasons is subtle. What fans should know is that although his numbers don't jump off the page, his role in Michigan State's defense is vital. In the beginning of his career, Worthy was free to pass rush and penetrate the line in what is usually called the off-tackle position (or under tackle). At this point in his career (as the team's most dominant defensive lineman), his job is to occupy double teams, seal off running and passing lanes, take up space and hold ground at the point of attack. No, it's not a glamorous job, but it allows his fellow lineman and other blitzers to get after the play. Offenses know if they didn't double team him, he'd blow the play up more often than not.

Most evaluations miss this change in assignment and see a guy who doesn't penetrate, doesn't get in the backfield, doesn't make impact plays, etc. But the role of a defensive tackle isn't necessarily to be involved in that more than a couple times per game. Worthy does all his new tasks very well. He shows a great explosion off the line and is strong enough in his upper body to grab a player with one arm and, all in one motion, bring the ball-carrier into his chest and down to the ground.

When he does pass rush, he shows a good bull rush, swim move, and rip move. Worthy will make a great fit at either defensive tackle positions in a 4-3 defense. His development leans more toward him slimming down to be a 3-4 DE rather than a bulked up 3-4 NT. It really depends upon which team selects him.

All in all, Worthy is a very good prospect with a great diversity to his game that opposing offenses respect. His combination of athleticism and brute physicality will be a highly appreciated set of commodities.

I see Worthy going anywhere from late first to mid-second round. As a Spartan fan, Worthy was MSU's most dominant pass rusher as a freshman and sophomore. His pass rush opportunities dropped last season, but only because State had recruited some high profile DE's who were able to move inside on obvious passing downs. Many MSU fans believed that Worthy should have remained in the game in those situations, although the team's added depth did allow him (and their other defensive linemen) to stay fresh.